Mothers' Union's - Away From It All (AFIA) holiday scheme

The summer holidays are upon us and we hope that everyone can make the most of going away, spending time with loved ones, relaxing in the sunshine and having a much needed respite. Others, however, are not so fortunate and may never have had the opportunity to go on a holiday due to a difficult and stressful situation that they are in. It is for those individuals and families that the Mothers’ Union run the UK wide Away From It All (AFIA) holiday scheme. This scheme is funded by the Mothers’ Union to help people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to have a holiday. These holidays can range from caravans, staying at guest houses or small family hotels to coach trips and specially organised family weeks with activities and outings arranged. Mothers’ Union normally help with part of the cost of a holiday or with travel expenses but sometimes can pay for the whole trip.

In 2008 31 dioceses involved in this project spent a total amount of £118,995.52 on these holidays. With this generous amount 1,272 people were helped to benefit from going on an AFIA holiday. Of these 1,272 people, 513 were adults, 582 were teenagers and 177 were children under the age of 11.

Future ideas for holidays:

• holidays for the over 50s/grandparents
• coach holiday for elderly, couples and singles 
• days out especially with ASHA children
• days out to a farm park with a picnic

Feedback from those who went on the holidays can only give us a glimpse of what these breaks really mean to those who benefit from them. But what they are sharing with us is very uplifting and encouraging indeed:

A couple with one son in prison and a younger boy who could be easily led … The referee quotes on behalf of the family:
“It was our first family holiday for 10 years and we had a great time” then goes on to say:  “I think the impact of a holiday for vulnerable children and families is significant and provides quality family time in a different, relaxing environment, when this is often missing.”

A family with two boys (aged 21 and 13) whose middle son committed suicide said:
“When we lost our son the support from everyone was overwhelming and supporting, helping each of us.  But then you need time as a family alone.  We had no funds to pay for a week away ourselves, so this holiday meant so much.  It gave us, as a family, time to be alone, time to grieve and time as a family to cope without family and friends.  Thank you so much.”

Some comments from social workers and the families themselves:

 “The difference you made to this family is priceless.  Thank you for your hard work and effort to co-ordinate this holiday.”

  “Your organisation provides a really valuable resource for families who don’t get the chance for a break.”

  “Determined to sort my life out since I’ve had this holiday.”

  “The break has done so much to our lives.  Thank you to all.”

Helen’s Story

Helen is a wonderful woman and mother.  She’s been through some tough times in the past, struggling with drugs, relationships and a sense of being isolated in the wider community.  On a Mothers’ Union sponsored holiday last year with her family, Helen shared how the holiday and fellowship offered by Mothers’ Union has helped her along her personal journey to a much happier place.

“It was our first family holiday away. It was fabulous. I’d never been to the Isle of Wight before”.

Help Support Our Work

Mothers’ Union supports families in the UK and Ireland through a wide range of community initiatives at grassroots level. If you would like to support this work  please send a cheque made payable to the ‘Mothers’ Union Britain and Ireland Development Fund (FF5) and send it to Mothers’ Union, Mary Sumner House, 24 Tufton Street, London SW1P 3RB or if you would like to make an online donation click here.

Thank you.